Dubai has long been a popular destination for travelling Brits, with an estimated 1.5 million UK citizens visiting every year. Relations between the UK and the UAE have always been strong and the air corridor between the two countries is one of the busiest in the world. With an average flight time of around seven hours, Dubai is a very accessible vacation spot and is so well connected to the region as a whole. Over the years many British expats have made Dubai their home and that number appears to be rising lately, so why are we seeing such an uptake in Brits seeking UAE residency visas?

The Appeal of Relocating to Dubai

According to the British Business Group there are currently over 240,000 British expats living in Dubai and thousands of British owned and run businesses operating in the UAE. For decades, Dubai has been a haven for many who want to swap the dreary weather for year-round sunshine, but recently the figures seem to be increasing rather rapidly. Whilst some of that demand can be attributed to a general restlessness and need to explore following the pandemic as well as the rise in cost of living in the UK, it is also down to the unique attributes and opportunities that Dubai offers to new residents. Just a few include:

• Stability – Dubai, and the UAE, is seen as a stable and secure place to live, with a booming economy, vibrant property market and incentivised investment channels
• Opportunity – The UAE Government has worked hard to create an environment that invites talent from around the world and provides excellent possibilities for businesses and career progression you can’t find elsewhere
• Diversity – The melting pot of cultures in Dubai is quite extraordinary, with people from all walks of life living, working and socialising together. The atmosphere is one of inclusivity, where everyone is welcome and networking is encouraged
• Safety – Dubai is often ranked as one of the safest cities in the world. With such a low crime rate, this is a highly valuable consideration for those with families who want a safe environment for their children so they have the freedom to be themselves
• Cost – With its enviable tax regulations and employee benefits, your money tends to go a lot further in Dubai. Though this is a land of opulence with ultra-luxury experiences on offer, there are also plenty of discounts and deals to be had, so that you can always make the most of your time, no matter what your budget is
• Education – Another key factor for families, the quality of schools and educational institutions in Dubai is extremely high, with a wide variety of private school options to suit all learning types and covering all the major curriculums and international programmes
• Sunshine – It might sound simple, but the daily brightness of Dubai is the perfect tonic for the soul. Though the temperature rises significantly during the summer months, the city is well designed to maximise your outdoor fun throughout the year with beautiful beaches, outdoor restaurants, water parks and hiking trails to explore

Swapping the UK for the UAE

So, if you are interested in making the move and relocating to Dubai, what can you expect as a British expat and what might you miss from home? Other than the appealing qualities mentioned above, the day-to-day life of residents in Dubai is very varied and there really is something for everyone. There are a range of different places to live, from beachfront villas to city centre apartments and most of them come with additional benefits like swimming pools and gyms. Getting home is also fairly easy, with the busy travel corridor providing several flights a day between the UAE and key cities in the UK. You also won’t need to miss out on all of your cravings as many UK products are now available in the UAE, including items from Tescos and Sainsburys, and there are several fantastic fine dining and bistro eateries with excellent British cuisine.

How EER Middle East Can Help

At EER Middle East, we have been assisting individuals, families and companies with relocation, immigration and corporate services in the UAE for nearly twenty years. Owned by two Irish expats, we as a company are incredibly familiar with the processes and challenges associated with moving to a brand new country. For individuals and their families who want to move to Dubai, we can provide vital support from recommending and securing the right visas to helping you pick the right school and find a home to suit your needs. If you are interested in starting a business in the UAE, or opening an office in Dubai, our range of corporate services and tailored corporate governance packages will ensure you can get up and running smoothly and take advantage of this rapidly growing destination and its regional connections.

If you would like to talk to any of the experts at EER Middle East concerning relocating to Dubai or any of our relocation, immigration or corporate services, please get in touch today on +971 (0)4 421 1819 or info@eerme.com